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The American Question

Play trailer 1:51 Poster for The American Question 2024 1h 30m Documentary Play Trailer Watchlist
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Tomatometer 6 Reviews Popcornmeter Fewer than 50 Ratings
Eight years in the making, the film shares personal stories from diverse Americans in swing state communities in Pennsylvania and Michigan, and analysis from leading political scientists and historians. The American Question uncovers how economic shifts like globalization and the atrophy of local communities have fragmented the national identity.

Critics Reviews

View All (6) Critics Reviews
Ronak Kotecha ReviewRon At a time when the U.S.A. is the grips of political polarisation, growing social discord and bitter election campaigns, along comes this pertinent documentary which attempts to investigate the core reasons for such. Rated: 4/5 Nov 17, 2024 Full Review Jonathan W. Hickman The Newnan Times-Herald “The American Question” is a revealing conversation about the polarization and conflicting views that have gripped the nation, especially in light of the recent election results. Rated: 8/10 Nov 13, 2024 Full Review Dennis Schwartz Dennis Schwartz Movie Reviews Explores America as a divided country. Rated: B Nov 8, 2024 Full Review Alan Ng Film Threat Ultimately, The American Question asks us to fight our confirmation bias and cultural narratives from news and media. Rated: 8.5/10 Oct 31, 2024 Full Review Morgan Rojas Cinemacy An enlightening, non-partisan look at an incredibly sensitive and timely issue. James Kicklighter doesn’t just ask the question to create provocative soundbites, he gives audiences actionable steps to depolarize America. Oct 22, 2024 Full Review Richard Propes TheIndependentCritic.com America would do well to watch The American Question before heading to the polls. Rated: 3.0/4.0 Oct 22, 2024 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (9) audience reviews
Viv L Thoughtful and full of solutions. I feel a lot better after the election after watching this film. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 11/15/24 Full Review Phil M "The American Question" is one of the most thought-provoking and insightful documentaries I’ve seen in a long time. It does an incredible job of exploring the deep divides in America, but in a way that feels compassionate and balanced rather than partisan. The stories from everyday Americans, combined with expert analysis, make it both relatable and enlightening. What struck me the most was how it connected personal experiences to broader economic and cultural shifts, helping me better understand the root causes of polarization in the U.S. Instead of just pointing fingers, the film offers hope and actionable steps toward unity and understanding. James Kicklighter has created something truly impactful here—this isn’t just a film; it’s a conversation starter that everyone needs to see. Highly recommended for anyone looking to deepen their perspective on the challenges and opportunities we face as a nation. Rated 5 out of 5 stars 11/15/24 Full Review Joanna G This was very well done. The mix of interviewees, from varying academics and professionals to everyday working Americans from both sides of the divide made it compelling and thought-provoking. It offers insights about how we got to be such a polarized nation. It explores the complexities that have gone into getting us here. Most importantly, it provides hope for a more unified people with compassion for those that disagree with us. Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars 11/14/24 Full Review Josh H I recently watched the American question and it couldn’t have come at a more important time. This film is a deeply thoughtful exploration of what it truly means to bring people together in America. Through powerful storytelling and diverse perspectives, the documentary dives into the challenges, hopes, and shared dreams that unite us as a country. One of the standout aspects of the film is its genuine effort to bridge differences without shying away from difficult conversations. The blend of personal stories and expert insights brings warmth and sincerity, making it both enlightening and incredibly moving. This is a must-watch for anyone who cares about building a more connected, compassionate America. It’s a reminder of what we can achieve when we come together.” Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/31/24 Full Review Matthew H An insightful and thought - provoking look at the breakdown of political discourse in America. Explores the possible reasons why politics has become blood-sport through the lens of 3 "purple" communities in the rust-belt. Examines the historical context and frightening parallels to other great empires in history and discusses what might be done to reverse the trend. A must watch! Rated 5 out of 5 stars 10/31/24 Full Review Julian I For those well informed and actively take an interest in listening to all sides, this won’t change your world views, but for those that may spend time absorbed in one narrative, this is worth a watch. Rated 4 out of 5 stars 10/30/24 Full Review Read all reviews
The American Question

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Cast & Crew

Movie Info

Synopsis Eight years in the making, the film shares personal stories from diverse Americans in swing state communities in Pennsylvania and Michigan, and analysis from leading political scientists and historians. The American Question uncovers how economic shifts like globalization and the atrophy of local communities have fragmented the national identity.
Director
James Kicklighter
Producer
Guy Seemann, James Kicklighter
Distributor
Gravitas Ventures
Genre
Documentary
Original Language
English
Release Date (Streaming)
Oct 29, 2024
Runtime
1h 30m